I have leg pain just one to two weeks into my pregnancy.

Leg soreness during the first one or two weeks of pregnancy is a normal physiological reaction. This phenomenon is mainly caused by weight gain and calcium deficiency, which will lead to worsening leg pain. In addition, sleeping too long and excessive fatigue during pregnancy can also cause leg soreness. Pregnant women need to get enough rest and exercise properly to relieve the leg soreness. You can learn about the causes of leg soreness in the first one or two weeks of pregnancy.

Thigh soreness in early pregnancy may be caused by calcium deficiency or weight gain, which increases the burden on the legs, and lack of regular exercise. You can go to the hospital to check your trace elements. If the calcium is within the normal range but close to the lower limit, you still need to supplement calcium. The following conditions can also cause leg soreness.

1. Excessive fatigue: The weight of pregnant mothers will increase as the pregnancy progresses. At this time, the load on the legs continues to increase, and the leg muscles are often in a state of fatigue. If the expectant mother stands for too long or walks too much, it will lead to increased calf muscle activity and increased burden. Local accumulation of acidic metabolic products will eventually lead to calf muscle spasms, which is the so-called calf cramps.

2. Sleeping too long: If pregnant women sleep too long, it will slow down blood circulation, leading to the accumulation of metabolic waste such as carbon dioxide, and then induce cramps.

3. Sleeping posture problems: Lying on your back for a long time during pregnancy with your feet always pressed by the quilt, or lying on your stomach for a long time with your feet against the bed will cause the local muscles of the calf to be in a state of excessive relaxation for a long time, which may also cause cramps.

4. Eating too much meat: Pregnant women who consume too much meat at one time may also suffer from cramps. Because meat products are rich in protein, consuming too much will affect the metabolism of carbohydrates, and acidic metabolites will continue to accumulate, causing electrolyte imbalance, one of the manifestations of which is calf cramps.

What to do if your legs become sore during early pregnancy

1. Good eating habits: 1. Eat more calcium-rich foods such as milk, ribs, dairy products, and dried fish. Expectant mothers who are lactose intolerant can use yogurt instead of milk. 2. Increasing the intake of vitamins, especially vitamin D, can help calcium absorption. 3. Don’t eat too salty food or pickled food. These foods are not conducive to the body’s absorption of calcium and may also lead to more calcium loss. 4. Drink more water. Don't wait until you are thirsty to drink water. After sweating during exercise, you can drink sports drinks that have enhanced nutritional effects.

2. Appropriate exercise: Appropriate exercise has many benefits for pregnant women. Gentle and warm exercises such as pregnancy yoga and stretching exercises are very suitable for pregnant women. Pregnant mothers can practice it every day starting from the 4th month of pregnancy to help relax and contract the pelvic and waist muscles, and to exercise the flexibility of the muscles at the birth canal.

3. Pregnant women can lie flat when resting, and then put a pillow under their heels to raise their legs, so that the calf muscles can be relaxed and the discomfort can be relieved. In addition, it is best to sleep on your side when sleeping, which can relieve the symptoms of calf cramps.

4. Don’t walk too much or stand for too long to avoid excessive fatigue.

5. Massage your foot muscles more often to promote blood circulation and eliminate metabolites. Soaking your feet in hot water for 10 minutes when taking a bath at night can help prevent calf cramps.